Revision as of 23:45, 27 December 2011

Contents

Getting started with Brazil research

Welcome to the Brazil page of the research wiki! FamilySearch Wiki is a community website dedicated to helping people throughout the world learn how to find their ancestors.Through the Brazil page you will learn how to find, use, and analyze records for Brazil of genealogical value. The content on this page provides helps and tips for beginner, intermediate, and expert researchers alike. Here you will find helpful research tools and research guidance to aid you in your search for your ancestors. The Brazil page is a work in progress, your contributions and feedback are essential!

Brazil is the largest country by both land area and population on the continent of South America. Also more people speak Portuguese in Brazil by far than speak that language in any other country, including Portugal. Discovered by the Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral in April 21st, 1500 was populated by immigrants in the 1600s and 1700s becaming home to many, including immigrants from Italy and Germany who primarily settled in the south of the country.

Jurisdictions, States

Brazil is a republic comprised of 26 states and a federal district (Distrito Federal), which comprises the capital city of Brazilia. Many records are kept at the state and local level and may include civil registrations, censuses, inventories and wills, land records, notarial records, and military records to name a few.